ESL has confirmed the group draw and opening round matchups for IEM Rio 2026. The event runs from April 13 to 19. All 16 teams now know who they face on day one.
Format
The 16 teams are split into two groups of eight. Each group runs a double-elimination bracket where every match is best of three. This is the standard ESL format, though ESL has announced it will change to an eight-team playoff structure starting in 2027.
Group winners advance directly to the semi-finals. Teams that finish second or third in their group go to the quarter-finals instead.
Group A
Group A has three of the top four-ranked teams in the world right now. Vitality (ranked #1) opens against RED Canids. Spirit (#9) faces Team Liquid (#18). Falcons (#4) play 3DMAX (#15).
For Vitality, this event is the first of three chances this season to complete their second ESL Grand Slam. They arrive on a 22-map winning streak and open against RED Canids.
Group B
Group B has its own storyline before the event even starts. B8 face Natus Vincere in a rematch of their opener at BLAST Open Rotterdam. FURIA take on Passion UA. Aurora faces HOTU. Legacy open against MOUZ.
Schedule
All matches on April 13 start at 19:30 IST. Here is the complete opening day schedule:
| Match | Teams |
|---|---|
| Vitality vs RED Canids | Group A |
| Gentle Mates vs G2 | Group B |
| Spirit vs Liquid | Group A |
| 3DMAX vs Falcons | Group A |
| FURIA vs Passion UA | Group B |
| B8 vs Natus Vincere | Group B |
| Aurora vs HOTU | Group B |
| Legacy vs MOUZ | Group B |
Spirit vs Liquid is a matchup that has come up at several recent events. The B8 vs NaVi rematch adds some additional context, given their previous meeting at Rotterdam. Vitality’s run at a second Grand Slam starts here, with a favorable opener against RED Canids if their recent form holds.
